Police arrested a 36-year-old man, suspected of captaining a boat with 26 persons on board that arrived off the coast of Famagusta, authorities said on Thursday.

The boat was intercepted by the coast guard around 2:30pm on Wednesday off Cape Greco. Nineteen men, three women and four minors were found on board.

The passengers were transported to the Ayia Napa marina, while their boat sank due to its poor condition.

Investigations determined the boat had sailed from the coast of Syria, on the evening of Tuesday. Testimonies obtained pointed to the captain being the 36-year-old man, who was arrested and taken into custody.

The remaining 25 passengers were transferred to the Pournara reception centre.

This was the second boat with irregular migrants from Syria intercepted on Wednesday.